DSST Principles of Public Speaking - Please note that this test has two parts. The first deals with multiple-choice questions; for the second, students must record an impromptu persuasive speech. Read the guidelines carefully for more information.

Public Speaking Website - another companion site with activities to help compose and present a speech on any topicDebate Central - This site has information on debating which can be used to practice and prepare for giving a persuasive speech.

Optional textbook:

PROJECT:

There is simply no way to become skilled at public speaking except by practice. Read over the requirements for the recorded speech portion of the DSST test. Practice giving persuasive speeches within the specified instructions. (For instance, not less than 3 minutes and not more than 5, with 10 minutes to prepare.) To begin, you may need more time to write your speeches, but it is very important that you quickly work toward a 10-minute-only prep time. This is all you will have when taking the actual exam.

1) Start by gathering a number of possible topics. This website offers some ideas. Write out speeches as close to four minutes as possible, practice them alone several times, and then present them to friends or family members without asking for formal evaluation as you develop your speaking skills. Give at least 15 or more speeches in this manner if you have no previous public speaking experience.

2) Next, give a series of 10 speeches in which you choose a topic and present the speech without any practice time. It may take you longer than 10 minutes to prepare it, but do not pratice it alone, except for a brief run-through immediately before presenting it. Ask a friend or family member to use a Speech Evaluation form (see below) to critique your presentation.

3) Finally, practice giving speeches that fall within the required parameters of the DSST exam. Remember, you will only have 10 minutes to prepare. Do NOT attempt to write out a 4 minute speech word-for-word. Draw an outline of ideas you want to address, using this outline example to help you, (or you can use this online persuasion speech/debate map generator) then give yourself a few minutes to rehearse a strong introduction in your head. This is the most difficult aspect of the speech. You do not want any long pauses or moments where you stutter or mumble while trying to frame your next statement. Use this Persuasive Speech Topic Generator to have a topic chosen for you. Outline your speech and give yourself at least 2 minutes to mentally practice your introduction and conclusion. Present your speech to a listerner, paying very careful attention to your time. Remember, if you are under 3 minutes or over 5, it is considered an automatic failure. Practice this method until you are very confident in your abilities, giving as many speeches as needed. Have your audience use the evaluation forms to help you determine any weak points that will need additional work. (For instance, do you present good arguments for your position, but neglect a strong closing?)

Use the outline form every time you prepare your speech, until it becomes second nature to you, so that you have the format memorized and can utilize it when you take the official exam.

Print a copy of the exam outline/description for your study journal. Complete the online course. Read over the information provided by the online textbook, making notes in your journal. Read the lessons on the "Facing Your Fear" site, then explore the links on one or more of the textbook companion sites. (Be sure to complete the activities, such as the study questions, which will grade your work.) Work on the project - practice speeches - once you are far enough along in your studies to know and understand what is expected in a short, impromptu persuasive speech. Finish the course with the DSST exam.